darnay holmes
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Former Las Vegas Raiders CB Darnay Holmes.
The Las Vegas Raiders‘ defense is going through some big transformations this offseason. Though new definitive coordinator Rob Leonard was on Patrick Graham’s staff, he’s set to run a different scheme using a 3-4 base.
One of Graham’s players was cornerback Darnay Holmes. He spent four of his six years in the NFL working under the coach. With Graham off to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Raiders let Holmes walk in free agency.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Holmes has signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. He has primarily been a nickel cornerback throughout his career, so he’ll likely be playing on the inside for the Falcons.
Holmes played in 13 games for the Raiders last season and 16 games the year before. He’s got a lot of experience that he’s bringing to the Falcons defense. It remains to be seen what their plans are for him, but he should compete for snaps this season.
Raiders Named Fit for Star College WR
The Raiders have made some big moves this offseason, but they still have the draft to look forward to. Their first-round pick is expected to be used on a quarterback, but they still have nine other picks to work with.
The Raiders will almost certainly use at least one of those picks on a wide receiver. It’s a big need for the team, and there are some strong options in the draft. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report believes that Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion is a great fit in Las Vegas.
“The Las Vegas Raiders and new head coach Klint Kubiak would be perfect for Concepcion, even if landing the former Aggie is unlikely,” Knox wrote. “The Raiders are expected to use the No. 1 overall pick on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, and Concepcion probably isn’t lasting until pick No. 36.
“If Las Vegas can somehow make a play for Concepcion, though, he’d do a solid impression of Jaxon Smith-Njigba in Kubiak’s offense.”
The problem facing the Raiders is that Concepcion will likely be a first-round pick, so if they really want him, trading up might be necessary.
Kwity Paye Willing to Sacrifice for Wins
The Raiders haven’t won a lot of games over the last two decades, but they’re hoping to finally change that with this big offseason. One of the biggest additions was defensive end Kwity Paye. He could tell the Raiders were serious about winning, which made them appealing to him.
“It was great after I signed seeing everyone else that were signing,” Paye said during his introductory press conference. “I was like, ‘Man, this team’s about winning.’ Serious about getting back. Just seeing all the guys that we picked up, extremely excited to play with them and get things going.”
He’s feeding off that energy and wants to do what he can to make sure the team wins games.
“I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win,” Paye said. “I’m willing to put all my teammates first, I’m willing to sacrifice whatever to make sure we get the win and succeed.”